Weapons of the Cold War

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M114 155 mm howitzer

M114 155 mm howitzer

A towed howitzer used by the U.S. Army during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Known for its versatility and range, it fired 155mm shells for both direct and indirect fire support.
Type 63 Rocket Launcher

Type 63 Rocket Launcher

A Chinese 107mm multiple rocket launcher, used for artillery support. It was lightweight and could be mounted on trucks or fired from the ground, making it highly mobile.
FMK-3 Submachine Gun

FMK-3 Submachine Gun

An Argentine submachine gun developed in the 1970s, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It features a simple blowback operation, a folding stock, and was designed for use by military and law enforcement units.
Star Model Z84

Star Model Z84

A Spanish submachine gun introduced in the 1980s, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Known for its robust construction and compact design, it featured a telescoping bolt for a shorter overall length, making it suitable for close-quarters combat.
Uzi

Uzi

A compact Israeli submachine gun designed by Uziel Gal in the 1950s. It became one of the most widely used submachine guns in the world, known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use.
Czech SA23

Czech SA23

A series of Czech submachine guns developed in the late 1940s, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum or 7.62x25mm Tokarev. Known for their innovative design and use of a telescoping bolt.
Walther MP

Walther MP

A submachine gun developed in post-war Germany, available in MPK (compact) and MPL (long) versions, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It was used by police and military forces.
Beretta M93R

Beretta M93R

An Italian selective-fire machine pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It featured a three-round burst mode and a foregrip for better control during automatic fire.
Star Z70

Star Z70

A Spanish submachine gun developed in the 1970s, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It was used by Spanish security forces and known for its simple, reliable design.
Vz61 Skorpion

Vz61 Skorpion

A compact Czechoslovakian submachine gun designed in the late 1950s. The Vz61 is chambered in .32 ACP and was intended for use by vehicle crews, special forces, and security forces. Its compact size and select-fire capability made it popular with various military and law enforcement units.
PM63 RAK

PM63 RAK

A Polish compact submachine gun designed in the early 1960s. The PM63 is chambered in 9x18mm Makarov and was used by the Polish military and other Warsaw Pact countries. It features a unique combination of a blowback action and a slide similar to that of a pistol.
Karl Gustavs M45

Karl Gustavs M45

A Swedish submachine gun, also known as the "Swedish K." Designed in the 1940s, it is known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. The M45 was used by various military and paramilitary forces, including the U.S. Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War.
Sterling L2A1

Sterling L2A1

A British 9mm submachine gun known for its reliability and use by the British Army from the 1950s to the 1980s. It features a distinctive side-mounted magazine and perforated barrel shroud.
Sterling Mk 6

Sterling Mk 6

A civilian version of the Sterling submachine gun, designed for semi-automatic fire. It retains the same compact design but is modified to comply with civilian firearm regulations.
Madsen M50

Madsen M50

A Danish submachine gun developed in the 1950s. It was simple, robust, and used widely in Latin America and Africa. The Madsen M50 is recognizable by its unique folding stock and top-loading magazine.
Kommando LDP

Kommando LDP

A South African submachine gun, designed as a cheap and simple weapon for use by paramilitary groups and security forces. It is often criticized for its poor build quality and lack of reliability.
Phoenix BXP

Phoenix BXP

A South African submachine gun developed in the 1980s. It features a compact design, with a folding stock and uses 9mm ammunition. The BXP was designed for law enforcement and military use.
Sanna 77

Sanna 77

A South African submachine gun, essentially a civilian version of the Kommando LDP. It was marketed as a self-defense weapon but had limited commercial success.
Beretta Model 12

Beretta Model 12

An Italian submachine gun introduced in the 1950s, known for its compact design and reliability. It was widely used by military and police forces around the world and is recognized for its folding stock and side magazine.
MAT49

MAT49

The MAT-49 is a French submachine gun used primarily during the post-World War II era. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, it was designed by the Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Tulle (MAT) and became a standard weapon for French forces in the Indochina and Algerian Wars.
Vigneron M2

Vigneron M2

A Belgian submachine gun, the Vigneron M2 was developed in the 1950s and chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It was a simple, inexpensive weapon intended for use by Belgian forces and saw some service in African conflicts.
Crvena Zastava Automat M56

Crvena Zastava Automat M56

This is a Yugoslav submachine gun chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev. It was developed in the 1950s by Zastava Arms and was based on the German MP40. It saw extensive use in various conflicts in the Balkans and by various guerrilla movements.
Madsen-Saetter machine gun

Madsen-Saetter machine gun

A Danish-designed general-purpose machine gun that was used by various countries during the mid-20th century. Chambered in several calibers, it featured a recoil-operated mechanism and was appreciated for its robustness.
M60

M60

A U.S. general-purpose machine gun introduced in the 1950s, widely used during the Vietnam War. It is known for its portability, being lighter than many other machine guns, and for its powerful 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge.
FN MAG 58

FN MAG 58

A Belgian general-purpose machine gun designed by Fabrique Nationale. It is used by many military forces around the world and is known for its reliability, durability, and powerful 7.62x51mm NATO chambering.
MG3

MG3

A German general-purpose machine gun developed in the 1950s, based on the World War II-era MG42. The MG3 is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and is known for its high rate of fire and reliability. It has been widely adopted by NATO and other countries.
RPK

RPK

A Soviet light machine gun designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1950s. The RPK is chambered in 7.62x39mm and serves as a squad automatic weapon, providing suppressive fire for infantry units. It is based on the AK-47 platform, featuring a longer, heavier barrel and a bipod for stability.
RPD

RPD

A Soviet light machine gun, designed by Vasily Degtyaryov in the late 1940s. The RPD is chambered in 7.62x39mm and was intended to provide squad-level automatic fire. It was the precursor to later designs like the RPK and was used extensively by Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces during the Cold War.
PKM

PKM

A Soviet general-purpose machine gun designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the 1960s. The PKM is chambered in 7.62x54mmR and is known for its reliability, simplicity, and effectiveness in a variety of combat environments. It remains in widespread use by military forces around the world.
UK vz59

UK vz59

A general-purpose machine gun designed in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. It is versatile and can be used as both a light machine gun with a bipod and a heavy machine gun with a tripod.
Yugo M53 Machine Gun

Yugo M53 Machine Gun

A Yugoslavian copy of the German MG 42, chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser. It maintained the MG 42's legendary high rate of fire and reliability.
M92 Beretta

M92 Beretta

An Italian semi-automatic pistol that became the standard sidearm for the U.S. military (designated as the M9) in the 1980s. It is known for its accuracy, reliability, and high-capacity magazine.
Makarov PM

Makarov PM

A Soviet semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. It was the standard-issue sidearm for the Soviet Union and various Eastern Bloc nations for decades due to its reliability and simplicity.
Ishapore 2A

Ishapore 2A

An Indian version of the Lee-Enfield rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Produced at the Ishapore Rifle Factory in the 1960s, it was designed for more modern ammunition while maintaining the robust Lee-Enfield action.
Galil ARM

Galil ARM

An Israeli assault rifle that was based on the Finnish Valmet RK 62, which in turn was based on the Soviet AK-47. The Galil ARM is known for its reliability in harsh environments and was used by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Daewoo K2

Daewoo K2

A South Korean assault rifle developed in the 1980s. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, it combines elements from the M16 and AK-47, providing reliability and accuracy in various conditions. It is the standard issue rifle of the South Korean military.
Kalashnikov AK-47

Kalashnikov AK-47

A Soviet-designed assault rifle that became one of the most iconic and widely used firearms in the world. It is known for its durability, simplicity, and effectiveness in various combat conditions.
Steyr AUG

Steyr AUG

An Austrian bullpup assault rifle introduced in the late 1970s. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, it features a modular design, integrated optics, and compact form factor, making it popular with military and law enforcement units worldwide.
Mosin-Nagant Type 53

Mosin-Nagant Type 53

A Chinese copy of the Soviet M44 carbine, produced in the 1950s. It was widely used by the Chinese military and shares the same characteristics as the M44.
M59/66 SKS

M59/66 SKS

A Yugoslavian variant of the Soviet SKS semi-automatic rifle, featuring a grenade launcher attachment. It was widely used by the Yugoslav People's Army during the Cold War.
Type 56 SKS

Type 56 SKS

A Chinese-made version of the Soviet SKS rifle. It was produced in large quantities and used by the Chinese military and other communist forces around the world.
Type 63 Rifle

Type 63 Rifle

A Chinese assault rifle, chambered in 7.62x39mm, that combined elements of the SKS and AK-47. It was used by the People's Liberation Army during the Cold War era.
M16A1

M16A1

An American assault rifle introduced during the Vietnam War as an improvement over the original M16. It featured a forward assist and other changes to improve reliability in combat conditions.
Ruger AC-556

Ruger AC-556

A select-fire version of the Ruger Mini-14, capable of semi-automatic, burst, and full-automatic fire. It was used by some military and law enforcement agencies.
XM-177E2 CAR-15

XM-177E2 CAR-15

A compact carbine variant of the M16 rifle, developed for U.S. special forces during the Vietnam War. It featured a collapsible stock and shorter barrel for greater maneuverability.
Galil SAR

Galil SAR

A compact version of the Israeli Galil rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Known for its ruggedness and reliability, it was designed for special forces and close-quarters combat.
M48 Mauser

M48 Mauser

A Yugoslavian bolt-action rifle based on the German Karabiner 98k Mauser. It was produced after World War II and used by the Yugoslav military. The M48 was known for its robustness and reliability.
SKS 45

SKS 45

A Soviet semi-automatic carbine introduced in 1945. It was designed by Sergei Simonov and was widely used by Soviet and other Communist bloc forces during the Cold War. The SKS is known for its simplicity and reliability.
M14 Rifle

M14 Rifle

A U.S. battle rifle introduced in the late 1950s, replacing the M1 Garand. It was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. The M14 saw extensive use in the early years of the Vietnam War and is still used in specialized roles today.
BM59

BM59

An Italian battle rifle developed by Beretta, essentially a modified version of the M1 Garand that was chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO. The BM59 featured a detachable magazine and selective-fire capability, making it a versatile weapon for both military and civilian use.
CETME C

CETME C

A Spanish battle rifle developed in the 1950s. It was designed by the CETME rifle program and later adopted by the Spanish military. The CETME C is the precursor to the German G3 rifle and was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It is known for its roller-delayed blowback action, which became a standard in many later rifles.
G3

G3

A German battle rifle developed in the 1950s by Heckler & Koch. The G3 is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and is known for its roller-delayed blowback mechanism, which provides reliability and accuracy. It became the standard rifle for the Bundeswehr and has been widely adopted by various military forces worldwide.
FN FAL

FN FAL

A Belgian battle rifle designed by FN Herstal and one of the most widely used rifles of the 20th century. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the FAL earned the nickname "The Right Arm of the Free World" due to its use by NATO and other Western-aligned forces during the Cold War.
L1A1

L1A1

A British version of the FN FAL, produced under license and slightly modified to meet British military standards. The L1A1 was a semi-automatic battle rifle used by the British Army and Commonwealth forces from the 1950s until the 1980s.
FNC

FNC

A Belgian assault rifle designed by FN Herstal in the late 1970s. The FNC is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and is known for its reliability, modular design, and adaptability. It has been used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Vz58

Vz58

A Czechoslovakian assault rifle developed in the late 1950s. Although it resembles the AK-47 in appearance, the Vz58 is internally distinct, using a short-stroke gas piston and a unique bolt design. It is chambered in 7.62x39mm and was the standard rifle of the Czechoslovakian army.
Vz52

Vz52

A Czechoslovakian semi-automatic rifle designed in the early 1950s. It is chambered in 7.62x45mm and was the standard issue for Czechoslovakian forces until it was replaced by the Vz58. The Vz52 is known for its distinctive gas-operated tilting bolt action.
AK-74

AK-74

A Soviet assault rifle, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov as an evolution of the AK-47. Introduced in the 1970s, the AK-74 is chambered in 5.45x39mm, offering greater accuracy and reduced recoil compared to its predecessor. It has been widely used by Soviet and Russian forces, as well as many other countries.
MAS 49/56

MAS 49/56

An updated version of the French MAS 49 semi-automatic rifle, the MAS 49/56 was introduced in 1956. It retained the 7.5x54mm French chambering and featured a shorter barrel and integrated grenade launcher. The MAS 49/56 was widely used by French forces in the post-World War II period, including in colonial conflicts.
SIG STG-57

SIG STG-57

A Swiss battle rifle introduced in 1957, the SIG STG-57 (Sturmgewehr 57) is chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss. It is a selective-fire rifle with a roller-delayed blowback action, known for its rugged design, accuracy, and reliability. The STG-57 was the standard service rifle of the Swiss military until the late 1980s.
FAMAS

FAMAS

A French bullpup-style assault rifle, also known as the "Clarion." It is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and is known for its distinctive shape, high rate of fire, and use by the French military since the 1970s.
SIG SG 550

SIG SG 550

A Swiss-made 5.56mm NATO assault rifle known for its precision, reliability, and modular design. It has been widely adopted by military and police forces and is praised for its accuracy and build quality.
Madsen M47

Madsen M47

A Danish-designed bolt-action rifle, produced briefly for export before discontinued for obselecence
Valmet M62

Valmet M62

A Finnish assault rifle, also known as the RK 62. It is a refined version of the AK-47, featuring improvements in accuracy and ergonomics, and remains a standard-issue rifle in the Finnish Defence Forces.
Vektor R4

Vektor R4

A South African assault rifle, based on the Israeli Galil, which in turn was derived from the AK-47. The R4 was designed to withstand harsh conditions and is known for its durability and reliability in the field.
Vektor R1

Vektor R1

A South African battle rifle, a licensed copy of the Belgian FN FAL. It was the standard-issue rifle of the South African Defence Force during the apartheid era and known for its reliability in harsh conditions.
Beretta AR70

Beretta AR70

An Italian assault rifle designed in the 1960s, chambered for 5.56mm NATO rounds. It was adopted by the Italian armed forces and is known for its versatility and modularity.
HK 33

HK 33

The Heckler & Koch HK33 is a German assault rifle developed in the 1960s. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, it is a scaled-down version of the G3 battle rifle, featuring a similar roller-delayed blowback system.
FN49

FN49

The Fabrique Nationale Model 1949 (FN-49) is a Belgian semi-automatic rifle designed by Dieudonne Saive and used by several countries in the mid-20th century. Chambered in various calibers, it was one of the last successful semi-automatic military rifles before the widespread adoption of select-fire battle rifles.
Hakim

Hakim

The Hakim is an Egyptian semi-automatic rifle, a licensed version of the Swedish AG m/42, chambered in 8x57mm Mauser. It was used by Egyptian forces in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rasheed Carbine

Rasheed Carbine

A derivative of the Hakim, the Rasheed Carbine is an Egyptian semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. It was produced in the 1960s and saw limited use by Egyptian forces.
SVD Dragunov

SVD Dragunov

A semi-automatic sniper rifle developed in the Soviet Union and used extensively as a designated marksman's rifle. It is chambered for the 7.62x54mmR cartridge and is known for its reliability and effective range.
PSL Rifle

PSL Rifle

A Romanian semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 7.62x54mmR cartridge. It resembles the SVD Dragunov but is based on the RPK light machine gun design and serves as a designated marksman's rifle.
SA80 Enfield

SA80 Enfield

The standard-issue rifle of the British Armed Forces, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. This bullpup-style rifle is part of the SA80 family and is known for its compact size and accuracy.
Armalite AR18

Armalite AR18

A 5.56x45mm NATO select-fire rifle developed in the 1960s. Known for its simple and rugged design, it influenced many later rifles with its piston system.
Armalite AR10

Armalite AR10

A 7.62x51mm NATO battle rifle developed by Eugene Stoner in the 1950s. It served as the predecessor to the M16 and featured lightweight materials and innovative design.